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Megaparsec

A megaparsec (Mpc) is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure vast stretches across the universe. One megaparsec equals one million parsecs, or about 3.26 million light-years (1 Mpc ≈ 3.086 × 10¹⁹ kilometers). This unit is commonly used when discussing the distances between galaxies, galaxy clusters, or large-scale structures of the universe. Because the universe is so massive, astronomers need units like megaparsecs to express distances that are too large for even light-years to handle efficiently. The megaparsec is essential in cosmology and is often used when describing the scale of the observable universe.

Light Year

A light year is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure how far light travels in one year. Light moves extremely fast—about 299,792 kilometers per second—so in one year, it travels roughly 9.46 trillion kilometers (or about 5.88 trillion miles). Light years help scientists express the huge distances between stars and galaxies. For example, the nearest star to Earth, Proxima Centauri, is about 4.24 light years away. The term “light year” can be confusing because it sounds like a measure of time, but it actually measures distance.